Pair of supporting men&#39;s pants

ABSTRACT

A pair of men&#39;s pants having band-shaped supporting element ( 4 ) and frontal supporting part ( 5 ), wherein the frontal supporting part ( 5 ) centrally arranged on the front side ( 2 ) of the pants ( 1 ) extends from a crotch region ( 6 ) to a waistband ( 7 ) of the pants ( 1 ), and wherein the band-shaped supporting element ( 4 ) continuously extends from the backside ( 3 ) of the pants ( 1 ) across the sides ( 8   a,    8   b ) of the pants ( 1 ) to the frontal supporting part ( 5 ), and wherein the band-shaped supporting element ( 4 ) comprises a lower edge ( 4   b ), wherein der lower edge ( 4   b ) of the band-shaped supporting element ( 4 ) has an arcuate course across the right or left groin portions of the wearer, respectively, on the front side ( 2 ) of the pants ( 1 ), starting from the frontal supporting part ( 5 ), and wherein the pair of pants ( 1 ) comprises pant legs ( 10   a,    10   b ), wherein the two pant legs ( 10   a,    10   b ) extend from the lower edge ( 4   b ) of the band-shaped supporting element ( 4 ), and the two pant legs ( 10   a,    10   b ) are firmly connected to the lower edge ( 4   b ) of the band-shaped supporting element ( 4 ).

The invention relates to a pair of supporting men's pants, especially underpants or swimming trunks, having a band-shaped supporting element and a frontal supporting part.

Generally, appropriate functional garments or functional underwear, will be worn during exercise and workout. Depending on the type of sport practiced or purpose of application, functional underwear is required to exhibit specific features. Thus, functional underwear may, for example, be windproof, waterproof, heat-insulating, breathable, elastic and/or supporting.

For example, sports bras are known for ladies, supporting the breast and reducing movement of the breast, thus protecting the tissue from hyperextension.

Analogously, for example sport briefs or sport pants are known for men, which fit the body closely when exercising but which also assure freedom of movement and are not to cut in. Due to these features, they are especially suitable for motion-intense sports activities, such as running, bicycling or hiking.

Know sports pants or swimming trunks suffer from an essential disadvantage in that the genitals of the male wearer are not sufficiently supported or protected. Especially with motion-intense sports activities, the genitals possibly rub against the inner side of the thighs and/or the underwear when moving, which may result in painful chafing.

In particular with sports such as baseball, jumping components additionally will be added besides running, thus requiring specific support of the genitals. Even with men's bathing shorts known from state of the art, which, for stylish reasons, are cut wider, the inside net is not always sufficient to prevent friction and chafing.

Another disadvantage with known men's pants resides in that the pants, when exercising, slip and slide, mostly downwards towards the legs, so that the fit of the pants is required to be corrected multiple times. Moreover, known men's pants may slide downwards towards the legs, solely due to gravity action.

Other drawbacks with men's pants known from state of the art will occur regarding persons having corpulent stature and especially persons suffering from overweight or obesity. Such stature or larger abdominal girth of the individual, respectively, results in pants, when being worn, to be ‘pushed’ downwards, thus requiring for the fit of the pants to be regularly corrected. In many cases, even an elastic waistband may not assure proper fit of the pants.

From DE 10 2010 003 358 A1, a pair supporting pants for men is known, comprising a front part and a rear part. The pants have a fabric layer located at least between a waistband and a crotch region, wherein the fabric layer extends across the suspensorium region of the pants.

From DE 7519030 a pair of underpants with long leg portions or ¾ long leg portions is known, which comprises a panty portion with a suspensorium formed thereto. The panty portion may be fabricated from a shape-resistant material and is adjacent to the suspensorium from a waistband-close region of the underpants down to the crotch region of the underpants. The lower edge of the panty portion, in the state of the underpants while being worn, extends across the thighs and the buttocks of the wearer.

From FR 2 579 081 panties are known, which are arranged in shorts. The panty may be of an elastic material and comprises a suspenorium, but lacking pant legs.

Long pants having integrated lining material are known from GB 2 356 552. Das lining material, on the one hand, is adjacent to a waistband-close region of the underpants, extending far into the crotch region of the underpants, and is adjacent to a suspensorium. The lower edge of the lining material extends across the thighs of the wearer and covering the gluteal region of the wearer.

Thus, the object of the invention is to provide a pair of men's pants, which circumvents the drawbacks mentioned above.

It is another object of the invention to provide a pair of men's pants, which reduces or avoids slipping of the pants, especially downwards towards the legs, and simultaneously sufficiently protects the genitals of the male wearer.

It is furthermore an object of the invention, to provide a pair of men's pants, which are especially suitable for men suffering from overweight or obesity.

According to the invention, this object will be achieved by a pair of men's pants having a band-shaped supporting element and a frontal supporting part, wherein the frontal supporting part centrally arranged on the front side of the pants extends from a crotch region to a waistband of the pants, and wherein the band-shaped supporting element continuously extends from the backside of the pants across the sides of the pants to the frontal supporting part, and wherein the band-shaped supporting element comprises a lower edge, wherein the lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element, on the front side of the pants starting from the frontal supporting part, has an arcuate course across the right or left groin portions of the wearer, and wherein the pants have pant legs, wherein the two pant legs extend from the lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element, and the two pant legs are firmly connected to the lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element.

The present invention is based on the finding that the object will be achieved by a band-shaped supporting element and a frontal supporting part.

By band-shaped, in the sense of this application, a woven fabric or material is meant, which is of longitudinal shape but is limited in width.

By continuously, in the sense of this application, it is meant that the woven fabric or material continuously extends, i.e. it is integral, but it is also meant that the woven fabric or material consists of two or more pieces which each are firmly connected to each another, i.e. it consists of several parts.

By continuously all-around, in the sense of this application, it is meant that the woven fabric or material is continuous, as defined above, and simultaneously has a closed course, i.e. it has no ends.

By suspensorium region, in the sense of this application, the zone of the pants, especially of the frontal supporting element, is meant which extends across the wearer's genitals.

The length of the frontal supporting part will be measured centrally and in the longitudinal direction of the frontal supporting part, parallel to the body's longitudinal axis of the wearer, stating from the lower end of the supporting part located in the crotch region of the pants to the upper end of the supporting part located at the waistband of the pants. The upper and lower ends of the supporting part, as described below, are the upper edge or the upper ogival end of the frontal supporting part or the lower edge or the lower ogival end of the frontal supporting part, respectively.

The pair of pants according to the invention has numerous advantages. The frontal supporting part extending from the crotch region of the pants, extends to the waistband of the pants, thus supportingly acting onto the wearer's genitals of the pants. While being worn, the band-shaped supporting element extends from the backside of the pants at least in part circumferentially around the body of the wearer to the frontal supporting part. The band-shaped supporting element exerts traction essentially horizontally directed starting from the frontal supporting part across the groins to the back region.

In combination with the frontal supporting part, the supporting forces will thus be dissipated across both the back and the groin portions and will be displaced, which, besides comfortable feeling when wearing the pants, especially causes significant increase in support.

Another advantage of the invention is the variable and diverse applicability of the pants, so that the pants may be utilized in various types of sports. Thus, the material and/or shape of the frontal supporting part may be chosen as required. For example, a more rigid or stronger material or woven fabric or having thicker walls, respectively, may be chosen, to achieve increased support or increased protection of the of the wearer's genitals.

For increased protection of the genitals, the shape of the frontal supporting element may also be chosen appropriately. Thus, the supporting element may, for example, have sufficient width, so that the genitals will be completely covered by the frontal supporting element. The frontal supporting element may also adopt a shape of the hollow body type or shell type, which then completely surrounds the genitals.

Thus, the pair of men's pants according to the invention allows extensive and sufficient support and protection of the genitals of the male wearer, simultaneously avoiding slipping of the pants.

The width of the band-shaped supporting element, at its both ends, preferably is at most 60% of the length of the frontal supporting element. The width of the band-shaped supporting element at its both ends, more preferably is at most 55% of the length of the frontal supporting element, more preferably at most 50% of the length of the frontal supporting element, more preferably at most 45% of the length of the frontal supporting element, more preferably at most 40% of the length of the frontal supporting element, more preferably at most 30% of the length of the frontal supporting element, more preferably at most 20% of the length of the frontal supporting element, more preferably at most 10% of the length of the frontal supporting element. Preferably, the two ends of the band-shaped supporting element have the same width. By the width of the band-shaped supporting element at its both ends, the essentially horizontal traction of the supporting band is allowed to be regulated. The lower the width of the band-shaped supporting element at its both ends, the less traction the supporting element may exert to the frontal supporting part.

Preferably, the frontal supporting part comprises an upper edge, which is flush with an upper edge of the band-shaped supporting element, wherein the width of the band-shaped supporting element at its both ends is as defined above. Thus, the two ends of the band-shaped supporting element, with its width as defined above, each extend starting from the upper edge of the frontal supporting part along the right or left lateral edge of the frontal supporting part towards the crotch region of the pants. It will thus be achieved that the horizontally acting traction of the band-shaped supporting element is only applied to a waist band side upper region to an at most centrally located region of the frontal supporting element. It will thus be avoided that the traction of the band-shaped supporting element will be applied in the crotch region of the supporting element, i.e. in the genital region of the wearer.

With this arrangement, traction onto the wearer's genitals perceived as being uncomfortable, will be avoided.

However, the width of the band-shaped supporting element at its both ends, preferably is at least 0.5 cm, as described above.

Preferably, in the state of the pants being worn, the band-shaped supporting element extends on the backside of the pants in the region between the waistband of the pants and the coccyx of the wearer, more preferably, in the state of the pants being worn, the band-shaped supporting element extends on the backside of the pants in the region of the sacrum of the wearer. Thus, the band-shaped supporting element especially does not extend across the middle and lower regions of the buttocks of the wearer. Thus the traction forces will be diverted to the back of the wearer in a region located between the waistband of the pants and above the sacrum and coccyx of the wearer, thus allowing essentially horizontal traction.

Preferably, the band-shaped supporting element is a one-layer material, a double-layer material, a three or multilayer material, a band, a belt band or combinations thereof. For example, the material may be of cotton, nylon, polyamide, elasthane, polyester, tulle or combinations thereof. If the band-shaped supporting element is double or multi-layered, each layer may be of different material.

Preferably, the supporting element has higher strength than the other material, especially the fabric material, of the pants. Thus, the supporting element may have higher traction force than the other material, especially the fabric material of the pants.

The band-shaped supporting element preferably is integrally formed.

Preferably, the band-shaped supporting element is elastic. It will thus be achieved that the band-shaped supporting element exerts an essentially horizontal traction. This traction acts starting from the frontal supporting part across the groin region towards the backside of the pants, generating support to the genitals and avoiding slipping of the pants upwards or downwards.

The band-shaped supporting element has an upper edge, a lower edge and two ends, wherein the ends of the band-shaped supporting element are adjacent to the respective lateral edges of the frontal supporting element, and preferably are firmly connected therewith. The distance between upper edge and the lower edge is referred to as the width of the supporting band. Especially, the band-shaped supporting element has a width on the front side, a width at the side of the pants and a width on the backside of the pants. The distance between the two ends of the band-shaped supporting element is referred to as the length.

Preferably, the band-shaped supporting element has a width of from 0.5 cm to 25 cm, more preferably from 1 cm to 20 cm, more preferably from 2 cm to 15 cm, more preferably from 3 cm to 10 cm, and most preferably between 3 and 4 cm.

The band-shaped supporting element may preferably have uniform width or variable width. By uniform width it is meant that the width of the supporting band does not change during its course around the pants. In other words, the width, at each location of the band-shaped supporting element, remains the same, i.e. the width at der front side corresponds to both the width at the lateral side of pants and the width on the backside of the pants.

By variable width it is meant that the width of the band-shaped supporting band may continuously change in its course around the pants. Thus, for example, the width of the band-shaped supporting band on the backside of the pants may be from between 0.5 and 5 cm, preferably from between 0.5 and 1.5 cm, it may continuously broaden during its course from the backside across the respective sides to the front side of the pants, thus exhibiting a width at the side of the pants of between 2.5 and 6 cm, preferably of between 2.5 and 3.5 cm, and at its both ends, at the frontal supporting part may have a width on the front side of between 7 and 9 cm.

The upper edge of the band-shaped supporting element may extend along the waistband of the pants. Preferably, the band-shaped supporting element, along its upper edge, is firmly connected to the waistband of the pants. The firm connection may, for example, be done by way of sewing, welding, bonding, or combinations thereof.

However, the upper edge of the band-shaped supporting element may also extend in a distance from the waistband of the pants. The distance between the lower edge of the waist band of the pants and the upper edge of the band-shaped supporting element preferably is from 0.5 cm to 10 cm, more preferably from 1 cm to 8 cm, more preferably from 2 cm to 6 cm, and most preferably from 3 cm to 4 cm.

The lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element, on the front side of the pants, starting from the frontal supporting part, preferably has an arcuate course across the right and the left groin portions of the wearer, respectively. More preferably, in the state of the pants being worn, the lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element, on the front side of the pants, starting from the frontal supporting part, arcuately extends in a region between the waistband of the pants and the right and the left groin portions of the wearer, respectively. Thus, in the state of the pants being worn, the lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element does not extend in regions, which are below the groin portions or the groin regions of the wearer, such as for example the thighs.

Preferably, the band-shaped supporting element comprises at least one recess, more preferably at least two recesses. Most preferably, the band-shaped supporting element comprises exactly two recesses. The recess preferably is arranged at the end of the band-shaped supporting element, close to or adjacent to the frontal supporting part. The recess may have the shape of a triangle, a gusset, a square, a circle or an ellipse.

The frontal supporting part is centrally arranged at the front side of the pants, extending towards its longitudinal extension from the crotch region of the pants to the waistband of the pants. The frontal supporting part comprises two vertically extending, or essentially vertically extending side edges. The side edges may take a straight course, an arcuate course or a combination thereof. Preferably, the two side edges essentially extend vertically across their complete length, more preferably extend vertically. The two side edges of the frontal supporting element are at least partially adjacent to the respective ends of the band-shaped supporting element, and preferably are firmly connected to the respective ends.

Preferably, the frontal supporting part comprises an upper edge and/or a lower edge. The upper edge or waist band side edge is adjacent to the waistband of the pants and is preferably firmly connected to the waistband of the pants, for example by sewing, welding, bonding or combinations thereof. The lower edge extends in the crotch region of the pants, preferably parallel to the upper edge, if present.

Preferably, the two side edges of the frontal supporting part waist, at the waist band side and/or at the crotch side, gradually merge into each other. The frontal supporting part thus comprises no upper edge and/or lower edge, but comprises an upper end or a lower end, respectively, formed by the merging side edges, especially an ogival upper end or an ogival lower end, respectively.

In one embodiment, the frontal supporting part comprises an upper edge and a lower end formed by merging side edges, especially an arcuate or ogival lower end.

Preferably, the frontal supporting part comprises an upper edge, which is flush with an upper edge of the band-shaped supporting element. By such a flush closure, the frontal supporting part and the band-shaped supporting element thus comprise a common upper edge running entirely around the pants. Such an arrangement assures for the band-shaped supporting element to exert essentially horizontal traction, especially in an upper region of the frontal supporting element close to the waistband.

Preferably, the frontal supporting part is a one-layer material, a double-layer material, a three-layer or multilayer material, a band or combinations thereof. Preferably, the material and the band are elastic. For example, the material may be of cotton, nylon, polyamide, elasthane, polyester, tulle or combinations thereof.

Preferably, the frontal supporting part is a double-layer material, wherein two different materials are used. Thus, for example, the layer facing inwards towards the body of the wearer may be of cotton, and the layer arranged on the outside may be of elasthane.

The frontal supporting part is preferably integral.

Preferably, the frontal supporting part is elastic. It will thus be achieved that the frontal supporting part exerts an appropriate, essentially vertical traction. This traction acts starting from the crotch region towards the waistband of the pants, thus causing the frontal supporting part to snuggly fit the wearer's genitals and supporting them.

The frontal supporting element preferably is thermically deformed or is sewed.

The frontal supporting element preferably has an oval, square, triangular, hollow body type or shell type shape. With a hollow body type or shell type shape it will be achieved that the wearer's genitals may be completely covered, enclosed and protected. Preferably, the frontal supporting element is formed such that it exactly conceals or covers the wearer's genitals, respectively.

Preferably, the frontal supporting element in the suspensorium region and crotch region is seamlessly deformed. It will thus be avoided that the wearer's genitals may chafe against the seams.

In one embodiment, the frontal supporting part is at least in part firmly connected at its respective side edges, i.e. at its right and left side edges, to the band-shaped supporting element, preferably to the respective ends of the band-shaped supporting element. Preferably, the frontal supporting element, along the entire length of its respective side edges, is connected to the respective ends of the band-shaped supporting element. This means that the two side edges of the frontal supporting element have exactly the same length as the two ends of the band-shaped supporting element. Thus, the two ends of the band-shaped supporting element extend from the crotch region of the pants to the waistband of the pants, as does the frontal supporting part.

Preferably, the frontal supporting element, maximally along its upper half of its respective side edges, is connected to the respective ends of the band-shaped supporting element, more preferably the frontal supporting element is connected to the respective ends of the band-shaped supporting element along the upper third of its respective side edges. By upper half or upper third, respectively, of the respective side edges, half of the length or one third of the length der side edges, respectively, starting from the upper or waist band side ends is meant. This means that the width of the band-shaped supporting element, at its both ends, preferably comprises half or one third of the length of the two side edges of the frontal supporting element, respectively. This also means that the two ends of the band-shaped supporting element preferably across the upper half or the upper third of the length of the respective side edges of the frontal supporting element, respectively.

In another embodiment, the band-shaped supporting element is integrally formed together with the frontal supporting part. This means that the frontal supporting part and the band-shaped supporting element are formed of a single piece, thus forming a single supporting means. Said supporting means may be of a one-layer material, double-layer material, three-layer material or multi-layer material, of a band or combinations thereof.

Preferably, the frontal supporting part is a double-layer material, and a membrane is arranged between the two layers of the material.

In one embodiment, the membrane may extend from the crotch region to the waistband of the pants. In another embodiment, the membrane is arranged in the lower region close to the crotch, extending from the crotch region of the pants across the suspensorium region. Thus, in this embodiment, the membrane is arranged between the two layers of the frontal supporting element, such that the membrane solely extends across the genital region of the wearer.

Preferably, the membrane is impervious to moisture, more preferably impervious to moisture and air.

Preferably, the frontal supporting part comprises a fly. The fly preferably is arranged in a region close to the waistband of the supporting parts or, if present, close to the upper edge of the supporting part.

By appropriately setting the length and/or width of the band-shaped supporting element and/or appropriately selecting elasticity of the supporting element the traction function and supporting function will be adjusted such that sufficient support is assured and simultaneously slipping of the pants will be reduced or avoided. It may be acknowledged that by reducing the length of the band-shaped supporting element, the supporting element fits the closer to the body of the wearer, thus resulting in appropriately increased traction and supporting functions. The same applies to the width of the band-shaped supporting element. Increase of the width of the supporting element results in increased contact area of the supporting element with the wearer's body, generally in the dorsal, pelvic and lumbar regions of the wearer. The larger the width of the supporting element, the larger the contact area and the larger the supporting forces against slipping of the pants.

Preferably, the frontal supporting part and the band-shaped supporting element are fabricated of the same material. Preferably, the frontal supporting part and the band-shaped supporting element are elastic, having the same elasticity. It is thus assured that uniform traction is exerted and the supporting forces are uniformly distributed.

The pair of pants according to the invention preferably comprises pant legs. The two pant legs of the pants preferably extend from the lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element. The two pant legs preferably are firmly connected to the lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element, for example by sewing, bonding, welding or combinations thereof.

The pant legs preferably may also be firmly connected at least partially to the side edges of the frontal supporting part and, if present, to the lower edge of the frontal supporting part for example by sewing, bonding, welding or combinations thereof.

Furthermore, the pair of pants preferably comprises a supporting band, which continuously extends from the backside of the pants across the sides of the pants to at least the frontal supporting part.

Besides the band-shaped supporting element, the supporting band is to additionally increase the supporting function of the pants and to avoid slipping down or slipping out of place of the pants. Such a supporting band especially is of advantage with pants for more corpulent men or men suffering from obesity. Due to the physical conditions in this cases not only increased supporting function, but also increased protection against slipping of the pants is required. Similarly, the supporting band is of advantage to pants for sports and exercise, as the supporting band and the band-shaped supporting element positions the pants on the wearer's body even during hard physical workout of the wearer without slipping.

Preferably, the supporting band is continuously all around, and extends from the backside of the pants across the sides of the pants and across the crotch region of the pants. The supporting band thus forms sort of a ring around the wearer's body. By way of such a configuration, the supporting band extends the in the crotch region below the wearer's genitals, thus additionally increasing support to the genitals, besides the frontal supporting part.

The combination of the band-shaped supporting element with the supporting band has been proven to be especially advantageous, as the supporting element and the supporting band synergistically cooperate.

The width of the supporting band preferably is between 0.5 cm and 6 cm, more preferably between 1 cm and 4 cm, and most preferably between 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm. The width of the supporting band preferably is smaller than the width of the band-shaped supporting element.

Preferably, the supporting band is elastic or a lining material or a seam or combinations thereof. An elastic supporting band may, for example, consist of elasthane or polyurethane. Preferably, the elastic supporting element is a belt or a band. If the supporting band is configured as a lining material, the lining material preferably is sewed onto the band-shaped supporting element. As a combination, for example, a seam with a polyurethane band may be used as a supporting band.

By appropriately setting the length of the supporting band and/or appropriately selecting the elasticity of the supporting band, the supporting function or the supporting forces, respectively, may be regulated such that sufficient support of the wearer's genitals is assured and, simultaneously, both uncomfortable feeling of pressure onto the genitals and slipping of the pants will be avoided.

The elastic supporting element preferably consists of two or more different material components, which are firmly connected to each other at their respective ends. By appropriately selecting these other material components of the supporting element, the supporting function and the elasticity may be regulated such that sufficient support of the wearer's genitals is assured, while simultaneously uncomfortable feeling of pressure onto the genitals will be avoided. In this context, the material components may firmly be connected to each other by welding, sewing, or bonding.

Preferably, the supporting band is broadened in the crotch region. The width of the elastic supporting element in the crotch region is larger by a factor of preferably 1.1 to 10, more preferably 1.2 to 8, more preferably 1.5 to 5, and most preferably 1.8 to 2.2 than the width in the remaining region of the supporting band. The broadening has the advantage that not only part of the genitals, but also the genitals on the whole may ‘rest’ on the supporting band and may thus be supported and protected.

In another embodiment of the invention, the supporting band, at least in sub-areas, is formed as two or more parallel extending supporting bands. In this way, stronger traction or higher supporting force, respectively, of the supporting band will be achieved, allowing increased protection against slipping of the pants. This, for example, is required for more heavyset or corpulent stature of the male wearer.

In said other embodiment, it is preferred that the two or more parallel extending supporting bands merge into a single supporting band in the crotch region. In this way, it may be avoided that the wearer's genitals may get into the space or gap between the parallel extending supporting bands, and may be cut or jammed therein.

Preferably, the supporting band at least partially extends in a region of the lower third of the width of the band-shaped supporting element, more preferably at least partially along of the lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element. Preferably, the supporting band, across its entire length, extends in a region of the lower third of the width of the band-shaped supporting element, more preferably across its entire length along of the lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element.

The supporting band preferably is arranged at the outside of the band-shaped supporting element, at the inside of the band-shaped supporting element or, if present, between two layers of the band-shaped supporting element. The supporting band may be welded, sewed or bonded to the band-shaped supporting element.

Preferably, the pair of pants comprises two vertical supporting bands, which each extend from the waistband along a side edge of the frontal supporting part to an upper edge of the band-shaped supporting element or to a lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element or into the crotch region of the pants.

The vertical supporting bands preferably are fabricated of the same material as the supporting bands, as described above.

In one embodiment of the invention, the frontal supporting part and/or the band-shaped supporting element is arranged at an outside or an inside of the actual woven fabric or material of the pants.

The pair of pants preferably is a pair of underpants, more preferably a pair of sports underpants, or a pair of swimming trunks, more preferably a pair of sports swimming trunks.

Further details, features and advantages of the object of the invention will arise from the following description of the associated figures, wherein preferred working examples of the invention are exemplified, wherein

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the pair of men's pants according to the invention having continuous supporting band,

FIG. 2 is a lateral view of the first embodiment of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a front view of a second embodiment of the pair of men's pants according to the invention having continuous supporting band all around,

FIG. 4 is a lateral view der second embodiment of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a front view of a third embodiment of the pair of men's pants according to the invention having continuous supporting band all around as well as vertical supporting bands,

FIG. 6 is a lateral view of the third embodiment of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of the pair of men's pants according to the invention having continuous supporting band all around and two recesses, and

FIG. 8 is a rear view of another embodiment of the pair of men's pants according to the invention having continuous supporting band.

In a first embodiment of the invention, a pair of men's pants (1) having a waistband (7) is shown in the FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the pair of pants (1) comprises a band-shaped supporting element (4), which in part circumferentially extends from the backside (3) across the sides (8 a, 8 b) to the frontal supporting part (5) on the front side (2) of the pants (1). The upper edge (4 a) of the band-shaped supporting element (4) extends along of the waist band (7) of the pants (1) and sewn thereto. Moreover, the upper edge (4 a) of the band-shaped supporting element (4) is flush with the upper edge (5 c) of the frontal supporting part. The lower edge (4 b) of the band-shaped supporting element (4) arcuately extends starting from the two side edges (5 a, 5 b) of the frontal supporting part (5), across the respective groin regions (9 a, 9 b) towards the backside (3) of the pants (1).

The frontal supporting element (5) comprises a length (L) of 16.6 cm, as measured in the longitudinal direction, from the upper edge (5 c) to the lower end of the supporting element (5) in the crotch region (6). The width (B) of the band-shaped supporting element (4), at its both ends, (4 c, 4 d) is 8 cm. Accordingly, the width (B) at the ends (4 c, 4 d) of the band-shaped supporting element (4) is 48% of the length (L) of the frontal supporting part (5), whereby the band-shaped supporting element (4) exerts an essentially horizontally directed traction onto the upper half of the frontal supporting element (5).

In FIG. 2, the width (B) is also shown, which represents the distance between the upper (4 a) and lower edges (4 b) of the band-shaped supporting element (4). In this working example, the band-shaped supporting element (4) comprises a variable width (B), which continuously changes in the course around the pants (1). Thus, the width (By) at the front side (2) is equal to 8 cm, the width (B_(S)) at the sides (8 a, 8 b) is equal to 4.5 cm and the width (B_(R)) at the backside (3) of the pants (1) is equal to 3 cm, cf. FIG. 2.

The frontal supporting part (5) extends from the crotch region (6) of the pants (1) to the waistband (7) of the pants (1), wherein the lower edge of the waist band (7) is sewn to the upper edge (5 c) of the supporting parts (5). The frontal supporting part (5) furthermore comprises two side edges (5 a, 5 b), which arctuately extend from the waistband (7) downwards to the crotch region (6) and are sewn thereto, thus forming the lower end of the frontal supporting part (5). The side edges (5 a, 5 b), in their upper parts, are sewn to the two ends of the band-shaped supporting element (4).

Both the frontal supporting part (5) and the band-shaped supporting element (4) are each integrally formed and are each fabricated of elasthane.

As it may be seen from the FIGS. 1 and 2, the pair of pants (1) comprises two pant legs (10 a, 10 b), which are sewn to the lower edge (4 b) of the supporting element (4) and are sewn to the side edges (5 a, 5 b), from the crotch region (6) upwards to the lower edge (4 b).

The pants (1) of the first embodiment furthermore comprises an integrally formed supporting band (12), which is sewn onto the outside of the supporting element (4) and is arranged along the and on the lower edge (4 b) of the supporting element (4). The supporting band is an elastic polyurethane band of 5 mm width, causing traction extending from the side edges (5 a, 5 b) and directed towards the groin regions (9 a, 9 b) and the backside (3) of the pants (1). By way of this traction, the supporting function of the frontal supporting part (5) is significantly increased.

‘A second embodiment is shown in the FIGS. 3 and 4. In contrast to the first embodiment, wherein the supporting band (12) is terminated at the side edges (5 a, 5 b) of the frontal supporting part (5), the supporting band (12), in der second embodiment, continuously extends all around. This means that the integrally formed supporting band (12) further extends along the side edges (5 a, 5 b) and across the crotch region (6) of the pants (1), thus forming some kind of a ring around the body of the wearer.

By way of such configuration, the supporting band extends below of the wearer's genitals in the crotch region (6), thus in addition increasing the support to the genitals, besides the frontal supporting part (5).

The FIGS. 5 and 6 show a third embodiment of the invention. In contrast to the second embodiment, two vertical supporting bands (12 a, 12 b) are additionally used in this third embodiment. These vertical supporting bands (12 a, 12 b) extend from the waistband (7) along the side edges (5 a, 5 b) to the supporting band (12), as it may be seen from the FIGS. 5 and 6.

The vertical supporting bands (12 a, 12 b) are sewn to both the waistband (7) and the supporting band (12), exerting a vertical traction directed towards the waistband (7). In this way, the genitals are supported by additional vertically directed traction.

FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the pair of pants according to the invention Besides the all-around continuous supporting band (12), the band-shaped supporting element (4), at its both ends, comprises two recesses (11 a, 11 b), which are adjacent to the two side edges (5 a, 5 b) of the frontal supporting part (5) as well as part of the waist band (7) of the pants (1). In this example, both recesses (11 a, 11 b) have triangular shape.

FIG. 8 shows a view of the backside (3) of another embodiment of the pair of pants according to the invention (1), which comprises a waistband (7) having upper (7 a) and lower edge (7 b). The band-shaped supporting element (4), which comprises a width (B) of 3.5 cm, is firmly sewn to the lower edge (7 b) of the waist band (7). Two pant legs (10 a, 10 b) extend from the lower edge (4 b) of the band-shaped supporting element (4) and are firmly sewn to thereto.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   -   1 Men's pants     -   2 front side     -   3 backside     -   4 band-shaped supporting element     -   4 a upper edge of the band-shaped supporting element (4)     -   4 b lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element (4)     -   4 c right end of the band-shaped supporting element (4)     -   4 d left end of the band-shaped supporting element (4)     -   5 frontal supporting part     -   5 a right side edge of the frontal supporting part (5)     -   5 b left side edge of the frontal supporting part (5)     -   5 c upper edge of the frontal supporting part (5)     -   6 crotch region     -   7 waistband     -   7 a upper edge of the waist band (7)     -   7 b lower edge of the waist band (7)     -   8 a right side of the pants (1)     -   8 b left side of the pants (1)     -   9 a right groin region     -   9 b left groin region     -   10 a right pant leg of the pants (1)     -   10 b left pant leg of the pants (1)     -   11 a right recess     -   11 b left recess     -   12 supporting band     -   12 a right vertical supporting band     -   12 b left vertical supporting band     -   B width of the band-shaped supporting element (4)     -   B_(V) width of the band-shaped supporting element (4) at the         front side (2)     -   B_(S) width of the band-shaped supporting element (4) at the         side (8 a, 8 b)     -   B_(R) width of the band-shaped supporting element (4) at the         backside (3)     -   L crotch length of the frontal supporting element (5) 

1. A pair of men's pants having band-shaped supporting element and frontal supporting part, wherein the frontal supporting part centrally arranged on the front side of the pants extends from a crotch region to a waistband of the pants, and wherein the band-shaped supporting element continuously extends from the backside of the pants across the sides of the pants to the frontal supporting part, and wherein the band-shaped supporting element comprises a lower edge, wherein the lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element on the front side of the pants has an arcuate course across the right respectively left groin portions of the wearer, starting from the frontal supporting part, and wherein the pants comprise pant legs, wherein the two pant legs extend from the lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element, and the two pant legs are firmly connected to the lower edge of the band-shaped supporting element.
 2. The pair of men's pants according to claim 1, wherein the band-shaped supporting element is a one-layer material, a double-layer material, a three-layer or multilayer material, a belt band or combinations thereof.
 3. The pair of men's pants according to claim 1, wherein the frontal supporting part is a one-layer material, a double-layer material, a three-layer or multilayer material, a band or combinations thereof.
 4. The pair of men's pants according to claim 1, wherein the band-shaped supporting element has a width of 0.5 cm to 15 cm.
 5. The pair of men's pants according to claim 1, wherein the band-shaped supporting element is firmly connected to the waistband along its upper edge.
 6. The pair of men's pants according to claim 1, wherein the band-shaped supporting element comprises at least one recess, preferably exactly two recesses.
 7. The pair of men's pants according to claim 1, wherein the frontal supporting part is a double-layer material, and a membrane is arranged between the two layers of the material.
 8. The pair of men's pants according to claim 7, wherein the membrane is impervious to moisture.
 9. The pair of men's pants according to claim 1, wherein the frontal supporting part, at its respective side edges, is firmly connected at least partially to the two ends of the band-shaped supporting element, or in that the band-shaped supporting element is integrally formed together with the frontal supporting part.
 10. The pair of men's pants according to claim 1, wherein the band-shaped supporting element and/or the frontal supporting part is elastic.
 11. The pair of men's pants according to claim 1, wherein the pair of pants furthermore comprises a supporting band, which continuously extends from the backside of the pants across the sides of the pants to at least the frontal supporting part.
 12. The pair of men's pants according to claim 11, wherein the supporting band is continuous all around, and extends from the backside of the pants across the sides of the pants and across the crotch region of the pants.
 13. The pair of men's pants according to claim 1, wherein in the state of the pants being worn the band-shaped supporting element extends on the backside of the pants in the region between waistband of the pants and the coccyx of the wearer.
 14. The pair of men's pants according to claim 1, wherein the width of the band-shaped supporting element, at its both ends, is at most 60% of the length of the frontal supporting element.
 15. The pair of men's pants according to claim 1, wherein the frontal supporting part comprises an upper edge, which is flush with an upper edge of the band-shaped supporting element. 